Chow German Shepherd Mix Facts

The Chow German Shepherd Mix is a combination of the German Shepherd breed and the Chow Chow breed. While most people commonly like pure-breed dogs, others equally find mixed-breed dogs fascinating and lovable. A German Shepherd Chow crossbreed is a medium-sized dog that has admirable traits from their famous parent dogs. Let’s get into this guide that tells you more about the mixed breed before considering owning one yourself.

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a German Shepherd Chow Crossbreed

1. The dog is easily prone to boredom. Just like its German Shepherd parent dog, the German Shepherd Chow mix requires constant stimulation for its intelligent and energetic nature. It may also experience health problems if the dog is not engaging in physical activities.
2. It can display destructive behavior if left unchecked. This is an active dog that needs an owner with a somewhat active lifestyle for it to channel its stored energy. Without a proper routine, the German Shepherd Chow mix may develop adaptive behaviors that can cause severe injuries to its surroundings.
3. The dog can act stubbornly at times. This behavior could be originated from the Chow Chow parent dog as it is known for by Chow Chow owners. It may develop aggression if the dog is not properly socialized with other dogs and people.

3 Reasons Why You Should Get a Chow Chow Shepherd Crossbreed

• The dog is an independent dog. The German Shepherd Chow mix is capable enough to entertain itself when it is left alone. It doesn’t mean that the dog should be neglected of attention since it enjoys doing simple bonding activities with its owner such as walking the dog or petting it.
• It is protective and loyal. Both parent dogs of the German Shepherd Chow mix are family-oriented pets. The dog will be able to get along with family members and can serve them when given the command. Also, the German Shepherd side of the mix breed is known to be trustworthy pets with children.
• The dog is extremely intelligent. Since both the German Shepherd and the Chow Chow are smart animals, its puppy will most likely inherit far more superior intelligence combined. Taking advantage of the intelligence of a German Shepherd Chow mix for obedience training should help you address the stubborn nature of its personality.

Other German Shepherd & Chow Mixes

Choosing the dog breed that aligns with your lifestyle is the most important decision you can make. Every year tens of thousands of dogs are abandoned or put up for adoption because the owner was irresponsible and didn’t do their research before choosing a dog that isn’t a great for their lifestyle.

Not sure the Chow German Shepherd aligns with your lifestyle? Consider adopting one of 50+ popular German Shepherd mixes or Chow mixes.

Alpha Paw has conducted the most in-depth research into the most popular German Shepherd Mixes in America:

Appearance, Personality, and Traits of a Chow Chow mixed with German Shepherd

The appearance of a German Shepherd Chow mix depends on which parent gene becomes more dominant. Majority of German Shepherd Chow mix owners have dogs that resemble the look of a Chow Chow more than a German Shepherd. Not only does the dog typically captures the bodily appearance of a Chow Chow, but also has a curved tail that is unlike the tail of a German Shepherd. The dog is also seen to inherit the long muzzle of the German Shepherd parent dog side along with a black accent on its face and pointy ears. This makes the German Shepherd Chow mix resemble the facial appearance of a bear or a lion.

This dog is a quick learner, making it easily trainable even as a puppy. Part of its personality that you should try to address while training your dog is its stubbornness which originates from the nature of its Chow Chow parent dog side. Obedience training should be your initial and primary training method on the dog.

Unlike the stubbornness of a Chow Chow, the German Shepherd Chow mix find great pleasure in exhausting itself with constant play time and attention by its owner. Without any form or source of mental or physical stimulation, the dog can easily become bored and may end up acting more aggressively or destructively to release its restrained tensions. The dog is prone to chasing things that run by it, so make sure it is always kept on a leash once the dog is taken for a walk or any other outdoor activity.

A life expectancy of fifteen years is a good age range, but you can also prolong the dog’s lifespan by taking it to the vet for vaccinations and providing it with a variety of whole foods and nutritious dog food.

German Shepherd Mixed with Chow Chow Puppies for Sale

Before buying a German Shepherd Chow puppy, you need to consider your budget and the costs involved after paying for its ownership. About more than a thousand dollars is required for purchasing the puppy and providing it with medicines and vaccinations. The typical price of a German Shepherd and Chow Chow offspring range from two hundred and fifty dollars to seven hundred and fifty dollars.

The best way of looking for this puppy is by checking out dog breeders who specialize in breeding German Shepherd Chow offspring. To guarantee the quality of your puppy, you should consider reputable dog breeders because the parents of the puppy are surely healthy with offspring that are less likely to inherit “bad” or unhealthy genes. Besides crossing out possible health issues from parent dogs, your other concern when looking for quality breeders is the price of their puppies.

Another budget-friendly method is by looking at adoption centers or German Shepherd Chow mix breeders who are open to adoption. You should expect to be interviewed by the staff since they need to ensure their dog’s overall wellbeing once it’s released to you. An excellent and responsible dog breeder is someone who makes as many background checks on the buyer as possible. Below are some adoption sites and dog centers to get a German Shepherd Chow puppy:

1. Petcurious.com
2. Adoptapet.com
3. Puppyfinder.com
4. Canine Clubs

You can also buy the puppy online for as long as you take the responsibility of double checking the background of the seller just as you would with a dog breeder. You could also attend professional dog shows, contact or join dog clubs, or talk with a veterinarian who may know or refer a German Shepherd Chow mix breeder to you.

Grooming Your Chow Chow Shepherd Mix

A German Shepherd Chow mix would need constant grooming for its coat. Since the dog would appear like its Chow Chow parent dog, its long hair can result in excessive shedding. You should brush the dog’s coat about two to three times a day. Having a vacuum around can help you clean up the mess in your surroundings. You should shampoo the dog only when necessary such as flea or skin problems or in cases when it starts to smell unpleasing using shampoo products made for long coats Chow Chows. Below is a list of dog shampoo products:

• Healthy Breeds Dog Deodorizing Shampoo. This dog shampoo is formulated with a Sweet Pea Vanilla scent for a more pleasing smell on the dog. It is also specifically designed for Chow Chow coats and is hypoallergenic.
• MOOSH Natural Dog Shampoo. This dog shampoo is a good alternative for skin allergies and infections. It contains Bentonite clay which helps in alleviating itchiness, dry skin, and hot spots.
• Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo. Also formulated as a moisturizer, this dog shampoo includes Aloe Vera extracts. You should make sure to get the shampoo approved by your veterinarian since oatmeal and aloe shouldn’t be used as alternatives unless approved.

Do not forget about maintaining the nails of the dog. Just like many dogs, the German Shepherd Chow mix also needs its nails trimmed once in a while using specialized nail clippers for dogs.

German Chow Chow Mix Health Problems

Just like the German Shepherd and the Chow Chow, the German Shepherd Chow mix is prone to the same vulnerabilities too such as:

• Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic illness that is common to many dogs in general. In other cases, obesity and improper nutrition and diet can contribute to the development of hip dysplasia as well. The hip joints of the dog slowly deteriorate and could result in skeletal malformation.
• Flea Allergy. Irritation can occur once ticks or fleas get into the coat of your dog. The long coat of the German Shepherd Chow mix can provide the perfect and warm atmosphere for the pests to breed and feed for their eggs.
• Bloating. Scientifically termed as gastric dilatation and volvulus or GDV, bloat is the result of gas filling up in the stomach. As the stomach expanses, the diaphragm and blood vessels get squished and could cause breathing and heart problems to the dog.
• Eye Problems. Pannus or chronic superficial keratitis is a common eye problem with the German Shepherd breed. When it is left untreated, the dog may experience blindness. It is usually common for the dog at its middle to the old age of seven to nine years and above.
• Heart Problems. Vital signs that you should be wary of are breathing problems, behavioral changes, weight and diet changes, abdomen swelling, and weakness. There are several reasons for the dog to catch a heart problem but being aware of the signs and symptoms should help in treating it as soon as possible.

The German Shepherd Chow mix does not necessarily have any health issues or illnesses that were specifically pointed out. Nevertheless, the sicknesses and health problems that were mentioned above can still be passed on to the offspring derived from the genes of both parent dogs.

Chow Chow Shepherd Mix Food Requirements

A proper diet for a German Shepherd Chow mix is essential to their health. Healthy supplements including chondroitin, fish oil or omega three acids and glucosamine should help in preventing or reducing hip dysplasia problems. According to the American Feed Control Officials, a German Shepherd Chow mix puppy should eat protein at about twenty-two percent, while an adult German Shepherd Chow should consume only eighteen percent of protein. Protein from whole meats including beef, fish, and chicken are recommended in its diet. Below is a list of recommended dog foods:

1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food. It features the following ingredients: salmon, chicken meal, menhaden fish meal, pea derivatives, sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, and parsley. It is made grain-free and packed with protein.
2. Solid Gold High Protein with Duck Dry Dog Food. Ingredients are as follows: duck, chicken meal, turkey meal, whitefish meal, egg protein, peas and chickpeas, sesame oil, and almond oil. It is another grain-free dog food with a hundred percent satisfaction guarantee.
3. Crave Grain Free With Protein From Salmon and Ocean Fish Dry Adult Dog Food. This dog food contains a variety of animal protein and healthy fat sources. Ingredients include salmon, chicken meal, menhaden fish meal, lamb meal, chickpeas, split peas, dried potatoes, and sunflower oil.
4. Fromm FourStar Dog Food Beef Frittata Veg. It is a unique-tasting and premium dog food made of real beef, dried whole eggs, pork meat meal, beef liver, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, salmon oil, cauliflower, apples, green beans, carrots, blueberries, and other sources of antioxidants.
5. Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Original Turkey & Chicken Dry Dog Food. This dog food is full of nutrients and proteins without containing wheat sources. The ingredients include turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, chicken fats, chicken liver, salmon oil, peas, and potatoes.

Feeding your German Shepherd Chow mix should have a balanced diet just like any other dog. You should consult with your veterinarian about these dog foods and devise a holistic dietary plan. Too much protein is too much calorie for the dog and may result in too much weight.

If you want to obtain the best food for your sweetheart, this is a place to start. Here’s a little guide for you. Don’t give your canine food that could be harmful to their health, such as the worst dry dog food. Look for the best dry dog food, for example, Wellness Core Dog Food, Dog For Dog Food, or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement.

Senior dogs have specific nutritional requirements and you should search for their food in the best senior dry dog list. In case you have welcomed a puppy into your home and the little munchkin is just getting used to a regular diet, take a look at the list of the best puppy food brands. Your sweetheart comes from two different parents, which makes your pups more likely to grow to love dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Don’t make any big modifications in their diet without talking to your vet first!

Chow Chow Shepherds Exercise Requirements

Both the German Shepherd and the Chow Chow are dogs with high levels of energy and intellect. The same is expected from its offspring too. Hence, the German Shepherd Chow needs a daily dose of mental and physical stimulation to stay on the right track of things. Because of its intelligence, the dog could easily become bored when it remains inside the house or isn’t doing anything stimulating. Aside from doing activities with the dog including running, hiking, jogging and cycling, training is also another way of stimulating since German Shepherd Chows enjoy pleasing their owners. Below are some activities that you should do with the dog:

• Swimming. Swimming is not only an exciting activity for both the dog and its owner, but it also burns a lot of fuel or energy from the dog. Unlike other outdoor activities like jogging, swimming also does not cause strain on the dog’s joints since it is a low impact activity.
• Socialization. The German Shepherd Chow mix is a friendly dog to people, but it is equally essential for it to recognize other dogs and behave in the same manner towards them too. Dogs, in general, are curious animals, and you can keep their curiosity in check by teaching it how to be around and respect other dogs. The dog will eventually learn new social skills.
• Scenting or Tracking Games. This particular type of activity serves for the dog’s mental enrichment. The German Shepherd parent dog side of the German Shepherd Chow mix was tracking dogs that loved to hunt things. Some games include finding the treat, hide and seek, and find the toy.
• Obedience Training. There are many ways to train your dog, but it all boils down to giving it commands and following your orders. Any form of training should keep the dog mentally and physically engaged and exhausted too.

German Shepherd Chow Mix Training

Training your German Shepherd Chow mix should be done as early as possible. The Chow Chow parent dog side of the dog is known to be independent due to its stubborn nature and may choose not to obey you when you tell it to do something. But it isn’t too difficult to train the mix breed since it inherits the genes of its German Shepherd parent dog which is known for its loyalty. Here are some training methods that you could apply to the dog:

• Puppy Training. The most important part of training the dog as a puppy is giving it your time and company. This should teach your dog the value of your bond with it and will soon acknowledge you as its alpha. Let it play with toys that you give so that it learns that being with you is a rewarding experience.
• Positive Reinforcement. Rewarding your dog while teaching it commands can come a long way to its relationship with you. You give your dog a reward such as a treat or a toy whenever it successfully responds to your command but gives it nothing until it learns how to react correctly to your call.
• Socialization. A German Shepherd Chow mix needs to be taught how to socialize and behave properly around both humans and animals. If the dog would live in a home with children, it should be exposed to them as early as possible so that the dog learns how to tolerate your kids and feel more comfortable around them.

German Shepherd Chows and Families

German Shepherd Chows can be the spark of the family. They are playful towards any member of the family and is also easy for anyone to get along with as long as the person is introduced to the dog properly and not spontaneously. It is generally a peaceful dog that barks less unless provoked or neglected of attention.

Some traits that make German Shepherd Chows great family pets are loyalty, protectiveness, and loving. It is also a perfect watchdog because the dog when faced with a stranger or someone not belonging with the family, becomes wary and can show intimidation as a warning sign to potential intruders.

When it comes to the dogs “room” or living space, an ideal family home for the German Shepherd Chow should have a backyard. This is not just an energetic dog, but it is also a larger dog breed in size. Small confinement such as an apartment space may not be the best place for the dog’s health and overall wellbeing. In terms of lifestyle, the dog does very well with owners who are also active outdoors. The family does not necessarily need to have an energetic attitude towards the dog since it can be stubborn too, but owners should set daily activities that include the dog in their routine.

Overall, the German Shepherd Chow mix is an excellent dog breed and family pet to own. With the parents of two dog breeds that are geographically far apart, a combination of the German Shepherd and the Chow Chow seals the deal.

Best Supplements for Chow German Shepherd Mix

Support the health and vitality of your Chow German Shepherd Mix with our recommended supplements. These products are carefully selected to meet the unique needs of your furry friend, ensuring they receive the essential nutrients for a happy and active life.

Nutramax Cosequin Joint Health Supplement for Dogs - With Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and Omega-3

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9.7

• Joint health support for dogs: cosequin, the #1 veterinarian recommended retail joint health supplem
• Omega-3 fatty acids: each soft chew also contains omega-3 fatty acids to help support skin and coat
• Manufactured in the united states with globally sourced ingredients: cosequin is a high-quality, dog
• From the #1 veterinarian recommended supplement company*: nutramax laboratories veterinary sciences
• Backed by science: nutramax laboratories veterinary sciences supplements are veterinarian formulated

Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats - Omega 3 Skin & Coat Support - Liquid Food Supplement

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9.5

• This natural fish oil additive supplement works to support your pal’s skin, coat, hips and joints, heart and immune system.
• The premium salmon oil is rich with omega-3 and -6 fatty acids from EPA and DHA to promote soft skin, a shiny coat and good overall health.
• May also help support proper hip, joint, heart and immune function.
• Makes a yummy alternative to capsules or soft chew supplements—simply add to your pet’s favorite meal.
• Great for small, medium and large breed dogs or cats.

PetAlive Skin and Coat Tonic - All Natural Herbal Supplement for Cat and Dog Skin Health and Shiny,

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9.1

• Your sidekick deserves a shiny coat and healthy skin she can feel proud of and show off.
• A therapeutic blend of organic horsetail, dandelion, spirulina and bladderwrack help maintain hair shafts and follicles to promote healthy skin and hair.
• Give your gorgeous girl the capsule whole or mix it into her food.
• PetAlive supplements are made from lab-tested, raw ingredients with no added fillers, gluten, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
• Made in FDA-registered, cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) compliant facilities.

FAQ: Chow German Shepherd Mix Facts

1. What is a German Shepherd Chow Mix called?
A mix between a German Shepherd and a Chow Chow is commonly called a “Chow Shepherd” or “German Chow.”

2. How would you describe the traits of a Chow Chow and German Shepherd mix?
A Chow German Shepherd mix often exhibits a blend of traits from both parent breeds, including a thick double coat, erect ears, and a loyal, protective nature. They can be intelligent, trainable, and make excellent family companions.

3. Is a Chow Chow Alsatian cross the same as a Chow German Shepherd mix?
Yes, the term “Alsatian” is sometimes used interchangeably with the German Shepherd breed. Therefore, a Chow Chow Alsatian cross is a mix between a Chow Chow and a German Shepherd.

4. Can a German Shepherd Chow mix be black?
Yes, a German Shepherd Chow mix can have a black coat, although the colors vary. The mix may display various colors, including black, tan, red, or a combination of these.

5. Is there such a mix as a Chow Aussie (Australian Shepherd) mix?
While less common, a mix between a Chow Chow and an Australian Shepherd is possible. The resulting hybrid may inherit characteristics from both breeds, including a fluffy coat and an alert, intelligent demeanor.

6. How big does a full-grown German Shepherd Chow mix get?
Full-grown Chow German Shepherd mixes are typically medium to large-sized dogs. Expect them to weigh between 40 and 95 pounds, with males generally larger than females. The size can vary based on genetics and other factors.

References:

1. Madhusudhan, H. S., et al. “Estimation of Maintenance Energy Requirements in German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever Dogs in Bangalore, India.” Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, vol. 102, no. 1, 26 Apr. 2017, doi:10.1111/jpn.12709
2. Yang, Hechuan, et al. “The Origin of Chow Chows in the Light of the East Asian Breeds.” BMC Genomics, vol. 18, no. 1, 16 Feb. 2017, doi:10.1186/s12864-017-3525-9.
3. Wilcox, Charlotte. The Chow Chow. Capstone High/Low Books, 1999.
4. Coile, D. Caroline. German Shepherds for Dummies. Hungry Minds, 2003.
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Shepherd
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chow_Chow